Holiday packages: Tasmania; Litchfield and Darwin; Shoalhaven
Take a day trip from Darwin to Litchfield National Park or consider a luxury stay in Shoalhaven.
Mid-week magic
Shoalhaven, NSW
Bangalay Luxury Villas on the south coast is offering 15 per cent discounts on mid-week stays for travellers unaffected by the Greater Sydney lockdown. The property’s 16 self-contained one and two-bedroom villas feature garden or golf-course views, outdoor seating and cosy interiors with a fireplace. Dinner at the acclaimed Bangalay Dining and breakfast are included.
Fine print $552.50 a night; available until August 31.
Wet and wild
Litchfield, NT
The natural beauty of Litchfield National Park is a must-see for visitors to Darwin. Take a guided 4WD day trip with Cyaround Australia to witness its waterfalls, towering termite mounds and native wildlife. Guests travel in an all-access vehicle (maximum seven people) and have the chance to swim at Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole.
Fine print 7am-5pm, $199 a person (adults only); includes lunch and accommodation transfers.
Sweet dreams
Tasmania
With an indoor fireplace and steaming outdoor spa and sauna, Tinderbox Retreat is a warm winter hideaway just a short drive south from Hobart. A 20 per cent discount on nightly rates during low season makes it an even more tempting proposition. Guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine and sweet treats from their former chocolatier hosts.
Fine print From $495 a night; sleeps four.
Nature’s way
Sunshine Coast, QLD
Enjoy five nights in a one-bedroom deluxe apartment at Mantra French Quarter in the heart of Noosa and save up to $475 a person. Included in the deal is an eco safari tour of the Noosa Everglades (pictured), complete with lunch and cruise. The property is on the popular dining and shopping strip of Hastings Street, with easy access to Main Beach and the national park.
Fine print From $475 a person, twin-share; book by August 31 for select travel dates.
In the news
Luxury Barossa Valley destination The Louise has been bought by Baillie Lodges, owners of Longitude 131 at Uluru and Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, among others. The 15-suite Louise was established by Jim and Helen Carreker 16 years ago and is known for its luxe accommodation and food and wine experiences. Staff will be retained after the transfer of ownership in September.
Tourism WA and Webjet have joined forces to offer $100 discounts on intrastate flights to counter the impact of Covid lockdowns on the state’s tourism operators. The Relook and Book campaign aims to encourage WA residents to consider local travel and applies to the first 3000 flights booked from Perth to Exmouth, Kununurra and Broome; until August 1 for travel to December 31.
The Outrigger Hospitality Group is expanding its reach with the purchase of three Manathai properties in Thailand. The resorts, one on Koh Samui and two on Phuket, will add 372 guestrooms to the Outrigger portfolio, which originated in Hawaii before extending to Fiji and Mauritius.
Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale will be the only Victorian venue to host this year’s Archibald Prize Regional Tour, on show from October 8 to November 21.
gippslandartgallery.com